Through its association with EdgeWest, the TAY Program is reaching out to young people with complex mental health and addiction issues and helping them connect with the services they need to take control of their challenges.

LOFT is thrilled and grateful to receive its first ever grant from Medavie; a gift that will help ensure at-risk youth have access to the help they need.

It is with mixed emotions that the Board of Directors of LOFT Community Services announces the upcoming retirement of CEO Terry McCullum on December 31st, 2017.

For the past 35 years, Terry has led the organization through remarkable growth, overseeing the agency as it evolved from a few supportive housing programs to a multitude of community services. He provided leadership for LOFT to successfully grow and meet community needs. The current large and diverse range of supportive housing options and innovative community support services for people living with complex mental health, addictions, cognitive and physical health challenges, are prime examples of this significant growth.

In June, Terry informed the Board of his plan to retire and it undertook a formal process to select his successor.

The Board is pleased to announce that Senior Director Heather McDonald will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer effective November 1, 2017, and will transition into the new job over the Fall. Terry will provide his direct support until his retirement and he will play a special advisory role with LOFT until our AGM in the Spring of 2018.

“Great leaders inspire excellence in organizations and their people. LOFT is certainly a reflection of what a great leader Terry is.” said James Anok, Chair of the Board. “Being able to achieve unparalleled growth in our sector, successfully work collaboratively with an array of agencies and governments, and always maintain compassion for the people we serve, Terry leaves LOFT with an incredibly strong foundation. As we close one chapter and embark on another, the Board and I warmly welcome Heather to her new role.”

From the beginning, Terry has embodied LOFT’s mission of “unwavering support and hope”. He has been a tireless advocate of the needs of the people LOFT serves. He long championed integrated and coordinated services across the health care system, building a community organization of unsurpassed quality of client care delivered by an exceptional staff team.

“The voice of those we serve has always inspired me and encouraged me to keep at it, to take risks to create new programs, to meet incredible needs, to innovate, to collaborate, and to cross service and bureaucratic boundaries”, says Terry, “It has been an honor to be part of this journey with LOFT.

Heather McDonald has been a senior leader at LOFT for 11 years, playing significant roles in local and provincial health initiatives. Heather holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and worked previously in the fields of addiction, primary care and mediation. She was recently recognized with a North American ‘Heart of Social Work’ award for her leadership in field education.

“I am looking forward to working with our clients, staff, community partners, funders, and donors to build on Terry’s legacy,” said Heather. “LOFT’s work is more important than ever as we face an increasing number of seniors in crisis, a serious lack of supportive housing, the expanding role of technology in health care, and the need to serve diverse populations outside of hospitals. LOFT is up for the challenge and opportunity the future holds.”

If you have any questions about this announcement, please contact Velvet Melanson at vmelanson@loftcs.org.

Last week the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network approved our integration plans. We are moving actively now to complete this integration by April 1. By building on our aligned values, our goal is to improve and expand programs and services for all of our clients. Our aim is to be able to sustain and grow what 416 has been so successful in building and integrate its work within a broader range of services serving at risk people in our community.

With this integration, we do not anticipate any disruption to current programs and services.

LOFT part of a New Helpline for Seniors and their Caregivers

Crisis Outreach Services for Seniors, or COSS, a partnership of LOFT and our colleagues at Reconnect Community Health Services and Woodgreen Community Services, is one of a number of services available through the New Toronto Seniors Helpline.

As the attached media release says, “A senior or their caregiver shouldn’t have to figure out which agency to contact for the help they need.”

The Helpline provides a single phone number where staff can assist callers in gaining access to a full range of services for seniors.

416 Community Support for Women to Integrate with LOFT Community Services

Announcement to all of our partners, collaborators and supporters…

Dear Valued Stakeholder/Partner,

We would like to inform you of an important and exciting change aimed at improving our services to those most in need. Over the coming months, 416 and LOFT, with support from the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network, will be undergoing a planning process for an integration of 416’s programs, services and staff into LOFT Community Services. The integration is targeted for April 1st, 2017.

416 is a long-standing and much-respected provider of addiction and mental health support services for women. LOFT Community Services is also a well-respected provider of addiction and mental health services to a wide range of youth, adults and seniors with complex challenges. By building on our aligned values, our goal is to improve and expand programs and services for all of our clients. Our aim is to be able to sustain and grow what 416 has been so successful in building and integrate its work within a broader range of services serving at risk people in our community.

We are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition. Throughout the merger process, we do not anticipate any disruption to current programs and services.

LOFT stands for “Leap of Faith Together”. On behalf of both organizations, including our Boards of Directors and staff, we are looking forward to taking this leap of faith together and hope we can include you in the excitement of this potential.

We will provide updates on our progress. Please do not hesitate to contact Heather McDonald at 416-259-5995 or email at hmcdonald@loftcs.org if you have any comments or questions.

The Central Local Health Integration Network in partnership with the City of Toronto are working to better understand the needs and gaps related to health care services in North York West planning area (see map in link). The objectives of the initiative are:

To develop long-term solutions for the gaps in health care services in North York West planning area.

To gather information to inform recommendations to improve equitable access to health care services for residents living in the North York West planning area.

To gather information that can be disseminated to health service providers that serve the North York West planning area to better inform future planning and service delivery.

Purpose of the Survey
To obtain input and perspectives from the residents and users of health care services living in the North York West planning area on their preferred location for healthcare services and models of health care service delivery.If you have any questions or concerns in regards to completing the survey, please contact, Christelle Bony Christelle.bony@lhins.on.ca or 905-948-1872, ext.224

Staff from LOFT and CAMH at the YouthCan IMPACT launch on June 14, 2016

LOFT is very excited to be part of YouthCan IMPACT – a collaborative project focusing on bringing more accessible services to youth seeking mental health support. On June 14, 2016, the project was officially launched by CAMH with the first clinic for youth opened in Scarborough.

Three community-based clinics will be located at:
- Scarborough’s East Metro Youth Services (Markham Rd & Ellesmere Rd) NOW OPEN
- Delisle Youth Services (Yonge & Eglinton) Opening in July
- South East Toronto Family Health Team (Danforth & Woodbine) Opening in July

The situation with mental health and addiction disorders among young people is alarming – as many as 20 per cent youth require support. Yet as few as one in six youth affected by mental health issues will access appropriate support.

LOFT youth workers know firsthand why young people do not access the mainstream services. Some of the reasons include need in referrals, long wait lists, unwelcoming clinical environments and lack of service coordination. There is also a gap between children mental health services and adult services. When young people need help, they need it now from the people they trust and they need support to navigate the system and address their other pressing needs, such as housing or physical health needs.

LOFT has an extensive experience in helping young people address these issues through its Transitional Age Youth Program. Now this experience will be fully utilized in the YouthCan IMPACT project.

Clinics in the project will serve youth, aged 14-25, with mental health and addiction challenges. Community-based walk-in clinics will open their doors to offer individual and group therapy, peer support, system navigation, internet-based support, addiction treatment groups and onsite psychiatric services.

LOFT staff will act as care navigators, helping young people and their families access all services they need. We will focus on linking transitional age young people to adult services. LOFT will also provide peer support, accompany youth to appointments and provide 24/7 crisis support through texting and by phone.

“The work LOFT will do in this project is very similar to care coordination and community support we already provide. The project is very important for us to learn more about family support and the younger age group”, says Heather McDonald, LOFT Director of Adult & Youth Services.

While the first step in the YouthCan IMPACT project is to implement and evaluate Toronto-based services, the team hopes the new model can be replicated in other communities, improving access across the mental health system.

The Junior League of Toronto’s Seed Grant Program helps non-profit organizations start
innovative short and long term projects benefiting the Greater Toronto community. We are grateful for their support of LOFT Youth Art Therapy program at Ingles Housing and Support Services. The program helps young women with mental health and addiction issues. It promotes recovery and gives youth a positive, creative environment to share their feelings and thoughts that would be otherwise difficult to articulate.

The cheque presentation ceremony took place on June 1, 2016. Melissa Ostrosser, VP of Community and Outreach at JLT Toronto, and Chelsea Brown, past VP of Community and Outreach at JLT Toronto, presented the cheque to Jim Nason Director, LOFT Director of Operations and Heather McDonald, LOFT Director of Adult & Youth Services.

Thank you to the Junior League of Toronto for your support!

The Junior League of Toronto unites about 400 women volunteers in Toronto and promotes voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about JLT, please visit their website at www.jlt.org.

LOFT is very pleased to announce that our CEO, Terry McCullum has been honoured by Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) as the 2016 recipient of the President’s Shield Award.

The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership in the field of mental health and addiction treatments by:

Proactively identifying novel and creative ways to improve upon processes or service delivery;

Implementing change in a positive manner and striving to ensure its success;

Building strong relationships that support a high level of trust and credibility;

Leading with behaviours reflecting equity, diversity and inclusion; and

Providing outstanding contributions to the field of mental health and addictions.

Congratulations, Terry! We think you tick all the boxes!

AMHO is a recognized authority on mental health and addiction issues in Ontario. Representing 290 mental health and addictions service and support agencies across Ontario, AMHO is dedicated to advancing the quality of care and services accessible to individuals.

The award was presented at their 2016 Conference on Monday, May 30, 2016.

On May 10, McEwan Housing and Support Services celebrated its 25th Anniversary: “Home and Journey” at The 519 centre. There were more than 150 guests, including members (as we call McEwan service users), staff, community members, representatives of partner organizations and media.

Artwork by George MacIntyre

Guests were offered awareness ribbons and tasty refreshments. They had an opportunity to write warm wishes to McEwan on a poster-size reproduction of the McEwan House painting by the well-known artist and McEwan member George McIntyre. Guests were also invited to express their feelings on patches of fabric for a ‘community patchwork tapestry’; and learn about McEwan from staff, posters and photo collages depicting its members.

The celebration started with a piano piece by Daniel Awash. Next was an awe-inspiring aboriginal smudging ceremony performed by Ed Bennett from the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network with the assistance by McEwan member Tonie Walsh. There were also stunning performances by a steel drummer Avin Shahs; “World’s Oldest Drag Queen” Michelle DuBarry; renowned singer/songwriter Billy Newton-Davis; Burmese dancer and member Mar Mar, and a spoken word artist Joseph Foley.

There were speeches by LOFT CEO Terry McCullum, The Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC LHIN) CEO Susan Fitzpatrick, and LOFT Director of Operations Jim Nason. The speakers talked about the leading role of McEwan Housing and Support Services in helping people living with HIV or AIDS, who have mental health or addiction issues or both, and are homeless or at risk of becoming so. It was emphasized that McEwan has always been a leader in North America in developing and sustaining comprehensive long-term care that makes a real difference in lives of its members.

Susan Fitzpatrick talked about the important role of McEwan and LOFT as a LHIN community partner, which tailors its program to the needs of service users, contributing to better access to services, better navigation of support systems and – in the long run – to healthier communities. The speeches of Terry McCullum and Jim Nason were often emotional, reminiscing about the early history of McEwan, its dedicated staff and strong-willed members. Guests also watched an inspiring video by Ryan Kerr featuring McEwan members and staff talking about their personal journeys and what McEwan really means to them.

Heather McDonald, LOFT Director of Adult and Youth Services led the song “Lean on Me”, and guests had the opportunity to sing along. Heather warmly congratulated McEwan Program Director Kay Roesslein on her 23rd work anniversary at McEwan. Thank you Kay, for your long-term excellent service, dedication and your care for all the people you help!

Thanks to all guests, donors, volunteers and partners who contributed to the successes of McEwan and its members over 25 years. Happy anniversary, McEwan!

On Tuesday, May 2, 45 volunteers gathered in a spacious dining room of LOFT’s supportive residence St. Anne’s Place, for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Event. The volunteers were greeted by the Chair of LOFT’s Board James Anok, CEO Terry McCullum and Director of Development Jane Corbett. It was emphasized in the welcome speeches that our volunteers are the life blood of our organization. It is our devoted volunteers, who allow us to accomplish far more than our staff alone can do. Volunteers are crucial in so many aspect of LOFT work – from helping our program continue high level services to assisting with administrative tasks. There were volunteers present with a spectrum of experiences and backgrounds, from students and recent graduates, to senior clients.

Participants enjoyed delicious refreshments prepared by the wonderful Food Services team at St. Anne’s, as well as home-made cookies and a cake prepared by a talented volunteer. There were also table prizes, certificates of recognition for all volunteers and opportunities to chat with peers, Board members and staff.

“Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to bloom,” expressed James Anok, “Thanks to volunteers, our communities grow strong and resilient. Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting trace in a community, much like tree rings that appear over time.”

On behalf of the Board, staff and our clients, we’d like to extend our sincerest thank you to all amazing people who volunteered almost 13,000 hours of their time and talents last fiscal year and contributed to the successes of LOFT and the vulnerable clients we serve.

If you are interested in volunteering at LOFT, please contact Amy Tran, Development Coordinator, at ATran@loftcs.org, 416-979-1994 ext. 233.

LOFT Community Services is celebrating National Volunteer Week this week!

Every year, volunteers at LOFT contribute 12,000 hours worth of time, energy and effort into our programs and events. While we can measure the hours they put in, their impact is immeasurable. Thank you so much!

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Below is a profile on one of our volunteers, Gillian.

Volunteer Profile – Gillian Coyles

Tell us a bit about yourself.I have recently completed my master’s degree in disaster and emergency management at York University. Throughout my studies I became aware of the need for community development and social capital in order to promote resiliency. This is something that I took interest in, and wish to become further involved with in the future.

I am passionate about social justice and equity initiatives and community movements. I can also talk ad nauseam about dogs and basketball, not necessarily at the same time though.

What do you do at LOFT?
At LOFT I help out the Development Team in any way I can. I spend most of my time working in the Raiser’s Edge database and completing administrative tasks.

Why LOFT? How did you hear about us?
My mother is in the non-profit field and suggested LOFT as a good place to volunteer. I wished to gain a working knowledge of the Raiser’s Edge fundraising software and experience within a community service organization, and LOFT was kind enough to offer me this opportunity.

I admire LOFT’s dedication to a diverse range of age demographics within their programs. Specifically, I believe community-based supportive housing for vulnerable seniors in the GTA is incredibly important.

Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer because I believe that it is important to help out in my community in any way that I can. I find happiness in donating my time and energy to worthwhile causes, like LOFT’s.

To learn more about how you can become a volunteer contact Amy Tran, Development Coordinator ATran@loftcs.org, 416-979-1994 ext. 233.

Toronto, Ontario — February 25, 2016 — CARF International has announced that LOFT Community Services has been accredited for a period of three years for its programs providing the following services: Behavioural Consultation Services, Community Housing: Psychosocial Rehabilitation (Adults), Community Housing: Psychosocial Rehabilitation (Children and Adolescents), Community Integration: Psychosocial Rehabilitation (Adults) and Supported Living: Psychosocial Rehabilitation (Adults). (Note that CARF includes both adults and seniors under the heading of “adults”). This is the second consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has awarded to LOFT.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.

LOFT Community Services is a registered charity with offices at 15 Toronto Street, 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2E3. It has been providing these programs in the Toronto, York Region and South Simcoe County area since 1953.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. For more information about the accreditation process, please visit the CARF website at www.carf.org.

We cordially invite you to join us at our AGM and special presentation.

This year’s presentation is titled:

“I am more than my behaviour. Learn who I was, understand who I am & treat me with dignity and respect”The presentation features LOFT’s Behavioural Support Services Mobile Support Teams and their amazing work with older adults living with dementia, mental health issues, addictions and other neurological challenges.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015 St. Lawrence Hall, 3rd Floor 157 King Street East

Ministers Eric Hoskins and Tracy MacCharles make Media Announcement at Sherbourne House

Ministers Hoskins and MacCharles answer questions from the media in the Sherbourne living room.

November 25, 2014, Toronto. The residents and staff of LOFT Sherbourne High-Support House were excited to have the Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long Term-Care and the Hon. Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services, pay a visit at breakfast time today.

The Ministers were here, along with representatives of other mental health services organizations and members of the press, for the announcement of the second phase of Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, launched in 2011. You can read more about the announcement here. (Ministry of Health News Release)

The Ministers described the work done on phase one called Open Minds, Healthy Minds with a focus on the mental health of children and youth.

The strategy is now expanding to adult mental health, and will have a focus on supporting the transition between youth and adult services, addressing a service gap that has been a particular concern of LOFT for some time. The next phase will also include the creation of additional supportive housing, and the appointment of an advisory committee to help develop a funding model to improve outcomes, deliver higher quality care, and ensure that programs are better tailored to the needs of local communities. A link to the full webcast is available from the LOFT Facebook page.

LOFT CEO Terry McCullum was MC for the event

The media event was MC’d by LOFT CEO Terry McCullum who welcomed the Ministers, members of the press and colleagues from the community mental health sector and spoke of LOFT’s work. Terry described the program at the Sherbourne House as a “special place of healing” helping youth and adults coming out of hospital to get back on their feet. He described LOFT’s goal of assisting people in regaining their health and living successfully in the community, and our promise of unwavering support and hope to individuals with complex needs.

Shawn Pendenque, a LOFT Peer Support Worker and client, shared his story of recovery and provided his very personal perspective on the link between community-based services and the sense of hope that makes recovery possible. Read Shawn’s speech.

BRADFORD – LOFT Community Services is pleased to welcome Farm Credit Canada (FCC) as a supporter of The Campaign for Bradford House. Representatives of the Thornton office of FCC visited Bradford House Tuesday, November 12, 2014 to present their cheque in the amount of $10,000 to assist with essential building repairs and upgrades.

Bradford House provides supportive housing/assisted living for low income seniors with multiple challenges including mental and physical health and substance abuse issues, social isolation and the risk of homelessness. The former nursing home, which was operated in recent years as the Bradford Manor boarding house, was purchased in April of this year by LOFT Community Services, and is the only program in York Region or South Simcoe serving this especially vulnerable group of seniors.

The Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund provides grants that enhance quality of life in rural Canada by supporting capital projects in communities with populations under 150,000. Successful projects have included hospitals, childcare facilities, fire and rescue equipment, playgrounds, community gardens and now — Bradford House.

“We are pleased to contribute to Bradford House, a program that offers much needed services to some of the most vulnerable members of South Simcoe County and northern York Region communities,” said Christine Bevan, relationship manager at FCC.

LOFT is in the midst of a $600,000 capital fundraising campaign to make necessary upgrades and repairs. With capacity for 55 residents, it is already home to 45 older men and women who are coping with multiple challenges.

LOFT CEO Terry McCullum said, “We are grateful to the FCC AgriSpirit Fund for supporting our capital fund raising campaign and for helping to make this much needed supportive housing available right here in Bradford-West Gwillimbury. When the most at-risk in a community have a happy healthy home, the whole community benefits.”

LOFT Community Services is known for the programs it has operated in York Region for more than 25 years, as well as its many locations in Toronto. Its program called Crosslinks Housing and Support Services is York Region’s largest provider of housing to adults with mental health needs. Many York Region residents also recognize its bright orange outreach van which provides help for the Region’s homeless population.

LOFT started in 1953 and is now one of Ontario’s leading providers of support services for youth, adults and seniors who have mental health, physical health and addiction needs. It is a pioneer in providing housing with mental and physical health support for seniors and older adults in need, with a 60 year history as a leader and innovator in these kinds of projects.

BRADFORD – Furnishings that previously graced Great Gulf Summerlyn Village model homes in the Town of Bradford are now being enjoyed by residents of Bradford House. In the model homes, these high quality furnishings helped potential buyers visualize their lives in a new home. At Bradford House, the furniture is adding to the quality of life of at-risk low income seniors.

Bradford House provides supportive housing/assisted living for low income seniors with multiple challenges including mental and physical health and substance abuse issues, social isolation and the risk of homelessness. Located near the intersection of Barrie and Holland Streets in Bradford, it is part of LOFT Community Services, and is the only program in York Region or South Simcoe serving this especially vulnerable group of seniors.

When Great Gulf sells or closes a model home, they donate the furniture to a local charity and when they asked Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Doug White for a recommendation, he suggested Bradford House. Mayor White is chairing a $600,000 capital fundraising campaign to make necessary upgrades and repairs to the Bradford House building which LOFT purchased in April of last year.

“We are delighted to support Bradford House with this furniture donation from our Great Gulf model home. When we build in a community, we become a member of the community and stay connected by participating in local initiatives,” said Christopher Wein, President Great Gulf Residential.

“This gracious furniture donation from Great Gulf Homes is an example of a remarkable developer giving back to the community in which they build. It is gratifying for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury to have such a cohesive relationship with Great Gulf Homes and we are tremendously grateful they have chosen LOFT Bradford House as the recipient of their gift.” said Mayor Doug White.

LOFT CEO Terry McCullum said, “We thank Great Gulf for this thoughtful donation and applauded them for showing their concern for some of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of the community. It means a great deal to our seniors to know there are people in the community who are concerned for their welfare.“

LOFT Community Services is known for its many locations in Toronto as well as the programs it has operated in York Region for more than 25 years. Its program called Crosslinks Housing and Support Services is York Region’s largest provider of housing to adults with mental health needs. Many York Region residents also recognize its bright orange outreach van which provides help for the Region’s homeless population.

LOFT started in 1953 and is now one of Ontario’s leading providers of support services for youth, adults and seniors who have mental health, physical health and addiction needs. It is a pioneer in providing housing with mental and physical health support for seniors and older adults in need, with a 60 year history as a leader and innovator in these kinds of projects.